While access to the lake remains a priority for us, we must balance it against public safety and the integrity of the infrastructure in our parks. To that end, the rising water level is forcing us to close some ramps. As of today, the following ramps have been closed due to high water: Brockdale, Highland, Little Ridge, and Mallard. Several other ramps remain closed due to flood damage from the previous floods.

By early this afternoon, all 12 flood gates will be open to begin releasing stored flood waters. Provided there are no more storms, the lake level should begin to drop.

I want to take a moment to manage expectations. The criteria for reopening ramps include more than just the elevation of the lake. Sustained high waters can supersaturate some of the substructure under the asphalt and under the upper end of the ramps. If we allow vehicle and boat traffic on them before they have a chance to dry out, there is a greater likelihood that additional damage will be done. To mitigate this, we wait to open ramps until the substructure has had a chance to dry, the park is safe for the public, and the areas have been cleaned up to a reasonable degree. Access is a priority for us and will continue to be. We will reopen ramps as soon as it is safe to do so.

Thanks for the update Ranger! Do you happen to know if the courtesy ramp is in place at Lavonia South? Sorry, I have not been on the lake in some time and don't live close enough to drive by there and check myself.

While access to the lake remains a priority for us, we must balance it against public safety and the integrity of the infrastructure in our parks. To that end, the rising water level is forcing us to close some ramps. As of today, the following ramps have been closed due to high water: Brockdale, Highland, Little Ridge, and Mallard. Several other ramps remain closed due to flood damage from the previous floods.

By early this afternoon, all 12 flood gates will be open to begin releasing stored flood waters. Provided there are no more storms, the lake level should begin to drop.

I want to take a moment to manage expectations. The criteria for reopening ramps include more than just the elevation of the lake. Sustained high waters can supersaturate some of the substructure under the asphalt and under the upper end of the ramps. If we allow vehicle and boat traffic on them before they have a chance to dry out, there is a greater likelihood that additional damage will be done. To mitigate this, we wait to open ramps until the substructure has had a chance to dry, the park is safe for the public, and the areas have been cleaned up to a reasonable degree. Access is a priority for us and will continue to be. We will reopen ramps as soon as it is safe to do so.

Thank you,Ranger Perrin

Thank you Ranger Perrin,I was out at Cler Lake a couple weeks ago and was told that there would again be a charge to access the park. Is that still the plan? When will it be effective?

Clearlake has an established Day Use Fee associated with access to open ramp(s) and/or picnic sites while gate attendants are present. If we are able to hire a second pair, the fee will be reinstituted. The Camping Fees are still in place.

East Fork is part of a series of packages we submitted to try to get some flooding specific monies to repair roads and ramps. Using the roads would continue to cause additional damage. Until the determinations are finalized, allowing additional damage to occur could detrimentally affect our packages. As noted earlier, access continues to be a priority, but it will not be provided if the area is unsafe or if use of the area will likely cause additional damage.